THIS WEEK: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS
THIS 98-YR-OLD WWII HERO HAD A HARD LIFE - FILLED WITH HAPPINESS. HOW?
You will discover the secret to happiness this week. Care of Alex Polowin. A 98-year-old World War II vet. A D-Day hero. And the last man standing amongst all of his shipmates. He's already lost so many friends and loved ones, including his beloved wife, son, and most recently his "brother" David Kilgour - (a Nobel Peace Prize nominee). “From my lifelong friends, there’s no one left to call,” he tells me.
AND ALEX KEEPS GOING. HAPPILY. HOW?
We met just before the 76th Anniversary of D-Day in 2020. He was set to be on my radio talk show, so we chatted leading up to the big day. I was shocked. I had never met such a young (at the time) 96-year-old. He’s quick, clear, sharp - and so compassionate.
I already felt connected to him before he joined the show. After that show, I adopted him as my grandfather. It wasn’t long before he invited me to an intimate garden party to meet a few of his dearest friends: Nobel Peace Prize nominee David Kilgour was among the eclectic, small group of dignitaries and extraordinary humans. One guest, Raziya Mahmout, even escaped the Uyghur genocide in China.
I felt like I was surrounded by history in the making. And Alex was at its core.
But to Alex, these were his friends - good people - who happened to accomplish great things. And David wasn’t a former Member of Parliament or diplomat or humanitarian or any of those fancy titular things; he was his brother. Every morning David would pick Alex up and they’d go for coffee. During the lockdown, David would instead bring that coffee to Alex.
Alex has had a tough couple of years. Throughout the pandemic, he suffered many losses. Then, he lost David in April.
A few days ago, Alex calls David's cell phone. Just to hear his voice on his voicemail. But his widow answers.
Alex says, "You must think I'm sort of weird calling."
"No," she replies. "I think it's wonderful. It tells me a lot more about you than I knew. The interest and kindness you show in him."
Alex goes on to tell me, "That's what keeps me going. Giving."
He explains, "I know he's not with us, but I knew he would be happy if he knew I continued to phone just to hear his voice."
Alex ALWAYS gives.
With his service - at 17. When his family in Lithuania were brutally murdered in the Holocaust. And he joined The Royal Canadian Navy to stop the Nazis.
With his love - to his late-wife Kathleen. Visiting her daily and nightly when she was in long-term care. Just to talk, tell her jokes, and entertain her with his singing and harmonica playing.
With his time - as one of the country's outstanding, award-winning volunteers.
He gives to me - as I always wished my grandparents would - were any of them still alive.
And so, on the 78th Anniversary of D-Day I ask Alex, "After living almost a century, what's most important to you right now?"
And without even the slightest hesitation he says:
"Well, right now what's important to me is speaking to you."
And that's why he gives so very much. And that's why he gives so very graciously. YOU are always the most important person to him. YOU. The person before him. YOU. In that moment.
He always sees the value in you. And after you're gone, he doesn't forget it. And your value becomes a gift. A gift to him.
And that's why he has so much to give.
Listen to the full podcast: THE SECRET TO HAPPINESS, Monday.
P.S. This is a pic I took of my dear adopted grandfather, Alex. Find out why this picture is extra meaningful to me - and you - when you listen to that upcoming episode.
P.P.S. That’s not the only surprise you’ll get with this podcast. There will be a few. Listen for them. You’ll hear. And see. Monday …
